Mesothelioma cancers are variations of cancers that typically find their origination in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a thin layer that spans over the lungs. That layer is often referred to as lining, can also be found in number of other organs, including the heart. For instance, the lining that surrounds the organs located in the abdomen is called peritoneal membrane.

The lining around the lungs is named pleura and the one that embeds the heart is called pericardium. All the linings function like a membrane. Mesothelioma cancers, as mentioned earlier, affect those membrane tissues. Depended on the location the cancer is named accordingly. For instance, if the cancer is found in the lining of the heart, we speak of a pericardial mesothelioma. If it is detected by the lungs, it's called pleural mesothelioma, and we talk about peritoneal mesothelioma when organs in the abdomen are primarily affected. Out of all types of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma accounts for over 70% of all diagnosed cases.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is seen in 10% - 20%, whereas its pericardial variant is very rare. The symptoms and signs of mesothelioma resemble the ones of other health conditions. Apparently, this explains why the conclusive diagnosis of a mesothelioma cancer is usually a rather difficult task. The symptoms can include general weakness and fatigue, loss of appetite and loss of weight, swelling in the abdomen and nausea. Other signs are persistent dry cough, back pain and chest pains. Let's have a brief look at the history of mesothelioma. First evidence that exposure to asbestos may have resulted in the development of mesothelioma and other asbestos induced diseases emerged back in the 1930s already. In the 1960s, the gathered data made the experts to conclusively agree on the fact that the toxic fibers of asbestos are responsible for a person getting sick.

Mr. J. C. Wagner is one of the frequently cited names and was one of the first researchers who published data about mesothelioma and an association with asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma, like all other asbestos related health conditions, has a very long latency period. In other words, the disease may lay dormant for 40-50 years until the first signs are being exhibited by a patient. Because of that, more often than not, mesothelioma cancers get only detected when they are already at a late stage. The average survival after diagnosis is 16 months.
Mesothelioma cancer patients are advised to consult with a reputable asbestos lawyer as soon as possible, to explore that legal option for seeking a monetary compensation.